Which Wifi Hotspots Work Best in the Pacific Northwest?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the best Wi-Fi hotspot options for a trip through the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and northern California. Participants explore various connectivity solutions, including cellular networks and satellite options, particularly in areas with limited or no cell signal.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about experiences with Wi-Fi hotspot coverage from providers like Verizon Wireless and AT&T, mentioning the potential use of Iridium despite its cost.
  • Another participant asserts that Verizon and AT&T offer good coverage, particularly in populated areas, and suggests using public Wi-Fi at gas stations, restaurants, libraries, and motels.
  • A participant from Australia shares their experience using Vodafone as a hotspot and questions whether the original poster is American, suggesting they might consider using their phone as a hotspot if they have a suitable data plan.
  • One participant raises the issue of needing to upload data from wilderness areas with no cell signal, proposing inexpensive text solutions and noting that uploading photos or videos would require an expensive satellite phone.
  • A later reply confirms the need to upload from wilderness areas, indicating that text files will be uploaded.
  • Another participant suggests a satellite device as a potential solution for the uploading needs expressed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the best options for connectivity, with no consensus reached on a single solution. There are differing opinions on the practicality of using cellular networks versus satellite devices, particularly in remote areas.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the limitations of cellular coverage in wilderness areas, and the discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of different solutions based on specific locations and needs.

Tone L
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Hi all,

I am planning a trip where I will travel to the pacific western United States. The states encompassing the trip are Idaho, Oregon, Washington and northern California.
I want to upload some data along the way. I have been seeing many maps that outline hot spot coverage with companies like Verizon Wireless and AT&T. However, I wanted to ask if anyone has any experience using another outlet. Or have you used these and they turned out pretty good?

Iridium seems expensive in general but might serve useful.

My resource:
https://www.sensorly.com/en/map/US/...=44.95969142394361,-114.11599015560716&zoom=6
 
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Both Verizon and AT&T are good and have broad coverage. If you are in populated areas, gas stations, restaurants, libraries and motels also provide Wi-Fi.

Enjoy your trip.
 
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Tone L said:
I am planning a trip where I will travel to the pacific western United States. The states encompassing the trip are Idaho, Oregon, Washington and northern California.
Are you American, as in from somewhere else in the USA ?
if you are, why don't you just use your phone as a wifi hotspot ?
If you don't have much data on your phone, maybe you should be looking for a better plan, seriously ! :)

If not from the USA, the same comments apply.

I am from Australia, using Vodafone Australia and have 40GB per month for a $45 / month cost and includes phone use
I use my own phone as a wifi hotspot for connecting my laptop, and the wife's ipad etc. to the internet
I even use it when traveling overseas to 85 of the top countries around the world and
it costs me is an extra $5 / day for international roaming with data.
So far have used it in the USA, New Zealand, Uganda and South Africa.Dave
 
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I forgot to ask. Do you need to upload from wilderness mountain areas which get no cell signal? If so, then there are inexpensive solutions for text (google Inreach for example), but uploading photos or video needs an expensive satellite phone. The affordable choice is to wait until you return to civilization to do the upload.
 
anorlunda said:
I forgot to ask. Do you need to upload from wilderness mountain areas which get no cell signal?
Yes, exactly where I will need to be uploading!
 
Uploading status or text or pictures or video or audio?
 
anorlunda said:
Uploading status or text or pictures or video or audio?
Sorry for the delay. Text files.
 

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